Ohio Employers Pilot Support for Working Caregivers
Employees caring for older relatives can voluntarily complete a survey that connects them to Area Agency on Aging services.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Eldercare
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Gorman-Rupp received the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging Partnership Award at the o4a conference in Columbus, recognizing its collaboration with Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging. The partnership is piloting a caregiver support toolkit aimed at employees who care for older adult family members or friends.
Why it matters
Many working adults juggle paid jobs with caring for aging parents or relatives, and that double load can strain both health and job performance. The award highlights a workplace-based approach that connects these employees to local eldercare services at a time when Ohio's older population continues to grow.
The award was presented at the o4a conference in Columbus and recognizes Gorman-Rupp's partnership with Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. The pilot is funded by the Administration for Community Living and the USC Center for Advancing Family Caregiving Financial and Workplace Security.
The players
Gorman-Rupp
A Mansfield, Ohio pump manufacturer whose employee caregiver pilot is the subject of this award.
Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (AAA5)
A regional agency that connects older adults and family caregivers in Ohio District 5 to community support services.
Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging (o4a)
The statewide association of Ohio's Area Agencies on Aging, which presents partnership awards and hosts an annual conference.
The details
Gorman-Rupp employees may voluntarily complete a survey that helps identify working caregivers and raises awareness of AAA5 services. The pilot uses a caregiver support toolkit designed to help employers spot working caregivers, and Gorman-Rupp will help test the toolkit and provide feedback to shape future efforts. AAA5 hopes to build on the pilot to bring more employers across the region into the effort.
Timeline
The award was presented at the o4a conference in Columbus; the article announcing it was published on November 4, 2026.
The Home Front
Area Agencies on Aging were established under the federal Older Americans Act to coordinate home and community services for older adults. This workplace caregiver pilot extends that network's reach into employers, where many family caregivers spend their working hours.
If you are balancing a job with caring for an older relative, ask your employer whether it offers caregiver resources or a survey like this one. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn what in-home and community services are available in your county.
The takeaway
Caregiving often happens alongside a full-time job, so it helps to know early which employer benefits and local agency services you can draw on. Keep your regional Area Agency on Aging's contact information on file before you need it.
Further reading
For more on support options for aging family members, explore the Eldercare section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Galion Inquirer.
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